In the late 1700s, many people in the new nation were on the move. Some were pioneers who moved west beyond the original 13 colonies to settle on the American frontier.
A frontier is land beyond the settled part of a country. On the frontier, pioneers saw the chance to trade, find land for farming, and make better lives.
Pioneer life was difficult. On the trip west, pioneers faced bad weather, sickness, accidents, and conflicts with American Indians. They had to find water and food and build shelter. But the pioneers had dreams of a better life so they kept moving anyway. During the 1800s, they started new farms, towns, and trading posts across the land. Their determined “pioneer spirit” is still part of what defines American culture today.
